Guiding the Development of Ranunculus, or Persian Buttercup Flowers: A Comprehensive Guide
Ranunculus: The Versatile, Colorful, Yet Fickle Garden Gem
Ranunculus, a diverse and picturesque genus of plants, offers a wide range of species suitable for various garden locations. From the moisture-loving aquatic species like water crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatialis) and greater spearwort (Ranunculus lingua), to hardy perennials for borders such as Ranunculus aconitifolius, and native wild meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) for wildflower meadows, there's a ranunculus for every gardener's taste.
Let's not forget the star of the show - Ranunculus asiaticus, the Persian buttercup. This beauty, often referred to as bedding ranunculus, is a fantastic flower for adding a splash of color to pots and borders, despite its relatively short-lived six-week blooms. Frost-tender, it grows from bulb-like corms (often referred to as bulbs) and flowers on short, sturdy stems around 30cm high, above finely divided fresh green leaves.
Ranunculus asiaticus blooms between late spring and early autumn, with up to four blooms borne on branching stems. Most are fully double, packed with petals, and almost rose-like in appearance. They make excellent cut flowers. After flowering, the growth dies back, but fear not! They can be dried and replanted the following year, although they don't reflower reliably, so they're best treated as annuals and grown for one season only.
Growing Ranunculus: The Dos and Don'ts
Ranunculus grows well in both containers and the ground. Here are some tips for a flourishing ranunculus garden:
- Soil and Location: Ranunculus prefers free-draining soil in a sunny spot that's sheltered from cold winds. Remember, poorly drained soil and waterlogged conditions can make your ranunculus rot.
- Container Care: In pots, use a peat-free multi-purpose potting compost mixed with around a quarter by volume of coarse grit or perlite, then stand pots on gravel or raise them just off the ground so excess water drains away freely.
- Planting Time: Under cover (in a frost-free, cool place like a greenhouse, porch, or polytunnel), plant in pots from early autumn to early winter. For outdoor growth, plant from late spring to early summer, keeping in mind that those planted from late spring will flower the following year.
- Proper Planting: Soak ranunculus bulbs in water for 24 hours before planting with the pointed claw-like part facing downwards. Plant 5cm deep and 10cm apart.
Caring for Ranunculus
- Watering: Water regularly once growth appears, aiming to keep the compost moist, but be careful not to over-water.
- Feeding: Feed your ranunculus when flower buds start to form. Use a liquid fertilizer high in potash and apply every 10-14 days.
- Deadheading: Regularly deadhead to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Pests and Diseases
Yellow leaves and rotting corms are signs of waterlogged soil or compost. Be mindful when watering and ensure proper drainage, especially in containers where ranunculus are prone to root rot. Grey mould (botrytis) indicates a lack of ventilation around the plants. To reduce humidity, increase ventilation by opening vents or moving plants further apart in your greenhouse.
Buying and Varieties of Ranunculus
For the best results, buy large, high-quality ranunculus bulbs from a reputable supplier and check for any signs of rot. Here are some popular varieties to grow:
- Ranunculus asiaticus - Persian buttercup species and hybrids with large, colorful flowers; Height x Spread: 30cm x 15cm
- Ranunculus 'Amandine Bonbon' - Large flowers in shades including pink, orange, and white; Height x Spread: 38cm x 15cm
- Ranunculus asiaticus 'Aviv Red' - Deep red flowers with pink centers in the bowl-shaped Aviv series; Height x Spread: 30cm x 15cm
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ranunculus come back every year?Although Persian buttercups are tuberous perennials, they don't come back every year reliably. You can maintain them as annuals and replant new corms each season for continuous blooms.
Do ranunculus multiply each year?Ranunculus are half-hardy and may not reliably multiply or reflower every year, especially in Britain's climate. For a continuous supply of blooms, consider successive planting or overwintering corms.
[1] - "Ranunculus." RHS Plant Finder. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/52973/Ranunculus/Details[2] - "Cut & Share Garden Tips." Cut & Share Gardens. https://cutandsharegardens.com/cut-and-share-garden-tips/[3] - "Tips for Farmers." Fleetwood Farms. https://www.fleetwoodfarms.co.uk/tips-for-farmers[4] - "Ranunculus - Ranunculus asiaticus." Plants for a Future. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+asiaticus
Incorporating ranunculus into home-and-garden lifestyle can provide a versatile touch to your gardening endeavors, given their variety of species. For instance, raised beds filled with well-draining soil could be an ideal placement for ranunculus, ensuring a flourishing ranunculus garden. The hardy perennial 'Ranunculus aconitifolius' or the popular 'Ranunculus asiaticus', the Persian buttercup, would thrive in such a setup.
